By: TSHA Advocacy Team of Lori Colletti, Vice President for Advocacy; Mark Hanna, Legal and Legislative Counsel; and Larry Higdon, Director of Legislation
Election Information
Early voting began in Texas on October 21. Early voting ends in Texas on November 1. The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 5. Your vote matters!
Interstate Compact Updates
- The Interstate Compact coalition has developed a one-page handout to be distributed to all legislators and that will be available to TSHA members.
- TSHA will have its own one-page handout specifically for the professions.
- For our bill, the author will be Sen. Angela Paxton, and the sponsor will be Rep. Ryan Guillen.
- The first day bills can be filed with the Legislative Council is November 12. Bills will be drafted and given a number for the session.
- The IC Coalition is developing a strategy for addressing the legislative leadership regarding passage of our legislation.
Interstate Compact Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact?
The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact is a legislatively enacted contract agreement between states to facilitate the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology. In states that have enacted the legislation and joined the compact agreement, those individuals with licensure in their home state will be able to practice in other compact member states as well.
Why should speech-language pathologists and audiologists care about the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact?
Benefits of the interstate compact include:
- Improves continuity of care
- Improves portability for military spouses
- Improves access to audiology and speech-language pathology providers
- Increases choice of audiology and speech-language pathology providers
- Facilitates alternate delivery methods (telehealth)
- Simplifies/speeds up the current process
- Addresses portability and barriers to access
- Practice of audiology and speech-language pathology occurs in the state where the patient/client is located at the time of the patient/client encounter
How does Texas get included in the Interstate Compact Bill?
Texas will need to pass legislation to be included in the Interstate Compact Bill.
How is TSHA advocating for passage of the Interstate Compact Bill?
TSHA is working with a coalition to advocate for the passage of compact bills in the 2025 legislative session. The Interstate Compact Coalition is developing a strategy for addressing the legislative leadership regarding passage of our legislation. The Interstate Compact Coalition has developed a one-page handout to be distributed to all legislators and that will be available to TSHA members. TSHA will have its own one-page handout specifically for the professions. Please stay tuned for more resources to help you advocate for this legislation as well!
What is the current status of this legislation?
TSHA is working with legislators in Texas to introduce this legislation in the 2025 session. We anticipate that Sen. Angela Paxton will serve as the author of the bill and Rep. Ryan Guillen will serve as the sponsor.
Have questions about legislation in Texas? Contact TSHA Director of Legislation Larry Higdon or TSHA Legal and Legislative Counsel Mark Hanna.